California students get jail for battering black roommate

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Two former San Jose State University students were each sentenced Monday to 30 days of in-custody weekend work for forcing a bicycle lock around the neck of their black roommate.

A Santa Clara County judge sentenced a third former student to probation.

The jury acquitted Bomgardner of committing a hate crime and couldn't decide whether to convict the other two on the same charges. Prosecutors later dropped the hate-crime charges.

The three white men were accused of taunting their black roommate with racial epithets, hung a Confederate flag in their dorm room and mocked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the start of the 2013 school year.

The 30 days of work service for their respective county sheriff's departments will likely be cut in half, meaning Warren and Beaschler will serve 15 weekend days to complete their sentences.

The three former San Jose State students are also required to each perform 50 hours of community service for organizations that benefit black communities. They are also required to attend an ethnic sensitivity class.

"We respect the district attorney's and the court's discretion in considering appropriate sanctions based on the defendants' conduct," university interim President Susan Martin said. "That notwithstanding, the behavior described in this case is unacceptable, and SJSU is committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students."